10^th Global Ophthalmology Meeting October 10-11, 2024 Madrid, Spain

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) stands as one of the most prevalent and debilitating complications of diabetes mellitus, posing a significant global public health burden. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of DR.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Epidemiology and Pathogenesis: Review the epidemiological trends and risk factors associated with diabetic retinopathy, including duration of diabetes, glycemic control, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. Explore the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms driving the development and progression of DR.
2. Screening and Diagnostic Strategies: Discuss the role of screening programs and diagnostic modalities, such as fundus photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA), in early detection and monitoring of diabetic retinopathy.
3. Classification and Staging: Review the various classification systems and staging criteria for diabetic retinopathy, including the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) classification, and their clinical significance in guiding treatment decisions and prognosis.
4. Management Approaches: Evaluate the current treatment modalities for diabetic retinopathy, including laser photocoagulation, intravitreal pharmacotherapy (anti-VEGF agents, corticosteroids), and surgical interventions (vitrectomy), and their respective indications, efficacy, and safety profiles.
5. Diabetic Macular Edema (DME): Explore the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment options for diabetic macular edema, a sight-threatening complication of diabetic retinopathy, including intravitreal anti-VEGF therapy, corticosteroids, and sustained-release drug delivery systems.

Glaucoma remains a significant global cause of irreversible blindness, posing a formidable challenge to ophthalmologists and researchers worldwide. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of glaucoma pathophysiology and treatment.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Pathophysiology of Glaucoma: Explore the complex pathophysiological mechanisms underlying glaucoma, including intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation, optic nerve head damage, retinal ganglion cell apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and vascular dysregulation.
2. Diagnostic Modalities: Discuss the latest advancements in glaucoma diagnostic techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), visual field testing, optic nerve imaging, and intraocular pressure monitoring, for early detection and monitoring of glaucomatous damage.
3. Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG): Review the epidemiology, risk factors, and genetic predisposition associated with POAG, the most common form of glaucoma worldwide. Explore current treatment modalities, including topical medications, laser therapy, and surgical interventions, for IOP control and disease management.
4. Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Discuss the clinical features, pathophysiology, and management of angle-closure glaucoma, including acute angle-closure crisis and chronic angle-closure glaucoma. Evaluate treatment options, such as peripheral iridotomy, trabeculectomy, and cataract extraction, to alleviate angle closure and prevent optic nerve damage.
5. Normal-Tension Glaucoma (NTG): Examine the diagnostic challenges and treatment strategies for normal-tension glaucoma, characterized by optic nerve damage and visual field loss in the absence of elevated IOP. Explore neuroprotective agents, ocular perfusion enhancers, and surgical interventions for IOP-independent mechanisms of optic nerve damage.

Retinal imaging serves as a cornerstone in the diagnosis, management, and monitoring of various retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and retinal vascular disorders. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of retinal imaging.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Fundus Photography: Explore the principles, techniques, and applications of fundus photography in capturing high-resolution images of the retina, optic nerve, and retinal vasculature. Discuss advancements in digital imaging systems, color fundus photography, and wide-field imaging for comprehensive retinal evaluation.
2. Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Review the principles and clinical applications of OCT in generating cross-sectional and three-dimensional images of the retina, macula, and optic nerve head. Discuss advancements in OCT technology, including spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT), swept-source OCT (SS-OCT), and OCT angiography (OCTA), for quantitative assessment of retinal anatomy and microvasculature.
3. Fluorescein Angiography (FA): Discuss the role of FA in assessing retinal vascular perfusion, leakage, and neovascularization in various retinal diseases. Explore the interpretation of FA findings and their correlation with clinical diagnosis and management decisions.
4. Indocyanine Green Angiography (ICGA): Examine the utility of ICGA in visualizing choroidal circulation, polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV), and other choroidal abnormalities. Discuss the indications, technique, and interpretation of ICGA findings in clinical practice.
5. Multimodal Imaging: Evaluate the complementary role of multimodal imaging techniques, including OCT, FA, and autofluorescence imaging, in the comprehensive evaluation and management of retinal diseases. Discuss integrated imaging platforms and software tools for data fusion and image analysis.
6. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Image Analysis: Explore the application of AI-based algorithms and machine learning techniques in automated retinal image analysis, disease detection, and risk stratification. Discuss the potential for AI to enhance diagnostic accuracy, efficiency, and reproducibility in retinal imaging interpretation.

The cornea plays a pivotal role in maintaining visual acuity and ocular health, making the diagnosis and management of corneal diseases crucial in ophthalmology. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of corneal pathology and transplantation.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Corneal Anatomy and Physiology: Explore the structure, function, and biomechanics of the cornea, including the epithelium, stroma, and endothelium. Discuss the role of corneal transparency, curvature, and refractive power in maintaining visual function and ocular health.
2. Corneal Imaging and Diagnostic Modalities: Review the principles and applications of corneal imaging techniques, including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, specular microscopy, confocal microscopy, and anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT), for the diagnosis and monitoring of corneal diseases.
3. Corneal Infections and Inflammatory Disorders: Discuss the epidemiology, etiology, and management of corneal infections, including bacterial keratitis, fungal keratitis, and viral keratitis. Explore the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), blepharitis, and anterior uveitis.
4. Corneal Dystrophies and Degenerations: Examine the clinical features, genetic basis, and treatment options for inherited corneal dystrophies and degenerations, including Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, keratoconus, and lattice dystrophy.
5. Corneal Trauma and Surgical Complications: Review the management of corneal trauma, including chemical burns, lacerations, and foreign body injuries. Discuss surgical techniques and complications associated with corneal transplantation (keratoplasty), including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK), and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).

Ocular oncology encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and management of tumors affecting the eye and its adnexal structures, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, orbit, and intraocular structures. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, oncologists, pathologists, researchers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of ocular oncology.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Epidemiology and Risk Factors: Review the incidence, prevalence, and risk factors associated with ocular tumors, including primary intraocular tumors (such as uveal melanoma and retinoblastoma) and secondary metastatic tumors involving the eye.
2. Diagnostic Modalities: Discuss the role of advanced imaging techniques, including ultrasound, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography (FA), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in the diagnosis and characterization of ocular tumors.
3. Classification and Staging: Review the various classification systems and staging criteria for ocular tumors, including the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system, and their clinical significance in guiding treatment decisions and prognosis.
4. Treatment Modalities: Evaluate the efficacy, safety, and outcomes of current treatment modalities for ocular tumors, including surgical resection, radiation therapy (brachytherapy, external beam radiation), laser therapy, and systemic chemotherapy.
5. Retinoblastoma Management: Discuss the multidisciplinary approach to managing retinoblastoma, the most common primary intraocular malignancy of childhood, including intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC), intravitreal chemotherapy (IVitC), and focal therapies (cryotherapy, laser therapy).

Ocular genetics and inherited eye disorders represent a diverse spectrum of conditions that affect the structure and function of the eye, leading to visual impairment and blindness. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, geneticists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of ocular genetics.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Genetic Basis of Eye Development: Explore the molecular mechanisms and genetic pathways involved in eye development, including the formation of ocular structures such as the retina, lens, cornea, and optic nerve.
2. Inherited Retinal Disorders: Review the genetic basis, clinical manifestations, and management strategies for inherited retinal disorders, including retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, Stargardt disease, and inherited macular dystrophies.
3. Congenital Cataracts and Lens Disorders: Discuss the genetic etiology, classification, and surgical management of congenital cataracts and lens abnormalities, including pediatric cataracts, congenital lens subluxation, and ectopia lentis.
4. Glaucoma Genetics: Examine the genetic risk factors and inheritance patterns associated with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), and other forms of hereditary glaucoma. Discuss the role of genetic testing in identifying at-risk individuals and guiding treatment decisions.
5. Corneal Dystrophies and Degenerations: Explore the genetic basis, clinical phenotypes, and treatment options for inherited corneal dystrophies and degenerations, including Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, keratoconus, and lattice dystrophy.
6. Pediatric Ocular Genetics: Review the genetic syndromes and developmental disorders affecting the eye in pediatric patients, including aniridia, microphthalmia, coloboma, and congenital ptosis. Discuss the implications for early diagnosis, genetic counseling, and multidisciplinary management.

Neuro-ophthalmology is a subspecialty of ophthalmology that focuses on the intricate interplay between the visual system and the central nervous system. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, radiologists, and researchers to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field of neuro-ophthalmology.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Anatomy and Physiology of the Visual Pathway: Explore the neuroanatomical and neurophysiological principles underlying the visual pathway, including the optic nerve, optic chiasm, optic tract, lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), and visual cortex.
2. Visual Field Assessment: Discuss the principles and techniques for assessing visual fields, including confrontation visual field testing, automated perimetry (e.g., Humphrey visual field testing), and kinetic perimetry. Explore the diagnostic utility of visual field testing in neuro-ophthalmic conditions.
3. Optic Neuropathies: Review the etiology, clinical manifestations, and management of optic neuropathies, including optic neuritis, ischemic optic neuropathy, compressive optic neuropathy (e.g., optic nerve glioma), and hereditary optic neuropathies (e.g., Leber hereditary optic neuropathy).
4. Papilledema and Intracranial Hypertension: Examine the clinical features, pathophysiology, and management of papilledema secondary to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Discuss the diagnostic workup and treatment options for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) and other causes of elevated ICP.
5. Neuro-ophthalmic Manifestations of Systemic Disease: Discuss the ocular manifestations of systemic neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), myasthenia gravis, thyroid eye disease, and giant cell arteritis (temporal arteritis).

Ocular immunology and inflammation encompass a wide range of conditions affecting the eye's immune system, leading to inflammatory responses and tissue damage. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, immunologists, rheumatologists, researchers, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Immunological Basis of Ocular Inflammation: Explore the complex interplay between the innate and adaptive immune responses in ocular inflammation, including the role of cytokines, chemokines, and immune cells in the pathogenesis of uveitis, scleritis, and other inflammatory eye diseases.
2. Classification and Etiology of Uveitis: Review the various classification systems and etiological factors associated with uveitis, including infectious (e.g., viral, bacterial, parasitic), autoimmune (e.g., HLA-B27-associated uveitis, sarcoidosis), and idiopathic forms. Discuss the clinical features, diagnostic workup, and treatment options for different uveitic entities.
3. Scleritis and Keratitis: Discuss the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of scleritis and keratitis, inflammatory conditions affecting the sclera and cornea, respectively. Explore the role of immunosuppressive therapy, biologic agents, and surgical interventions in the treatment of severe or refractory cases.
4. Ocular Surface Inflammation: Examine the immunological mechanisms underlying ocular surface diseases, including dry eye syndrome, blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction. Discuss the impact of inflammation on tear film stability, corneal epithelial integrity, and visual function.
5. Immunomodulatory Therapy: Evaluate the role of immunomodulatory agents, including corticosteroids, conventional immunosuppressants (e.g., methotrexate, azathioprine), biologic agents (e.g., TNF-alpha inhibitors, interleukin-6 inhibitors), and small molecule inhibitors (e.g., Janus kinase inhibitors), in the treatment of ocular inflammation.

Refractive surgery has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology, offering patients the opportunity to achieve visual freedom from refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, refractive surgeons, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Evolution of Refractive Surgery: Trace the historical development of refractive surgery techniques, from the advent of radial keratotomy (RK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) to the introduction of laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).
2. Patient Selection and Preoperative Evaluation: Discuss the criteria for patient selection, preoperative evaluation, and informed consent in refractive surgery candidates. Explore the role of corneal topography, wavefront aberrometry, tomography, and biomechanical assessments in optimizing surgical outcomes.
3. LASIK and Beyond: Review the latest advancements in LASIK technology, including custom wavefront-guided LASIK, topography-guided LASIK, and femtosecond laser flap creation. Discuss the safety, efficacy, and predictability of LASIK in treating a wide range of refractive errors.
4. SMILE and Other Flapless Techniques: Examine the principles and outcomes of SMILE, a flapless and minimally invasive refractive surgery technique. Compare SMILE with traditional LASIK in terms of visual outcomes, postoperative pain, corneal biomechanics, and stability.
5. Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) and Phakic Intraocular Lenses (IOLs): Discuss the indications, surgical techniques, and outcomes of RLE and phakic IOL implantation in correcting high refractive errors and presbyopia. Explore the role of multifocal, toric, and extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOLs in enhancing visual outcomes.

Pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus encompass a diverse array of ocular conditions affecting infants, children, and adolescents, ranging from refractive errors to complex strabismus disorders.This specialized conference track aims to convene pediatric ophthalmologists, orthoptists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Amblyopia and Visual Development: Explore the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of amblyopia (lazy eye), a common cause of visual impairment in children. Discuss the critical period for visual development and the role of early detection and intervention in optimizing visual outcomes.
2. Refractive Errors in Children: Review the epidemiology, natural history, and treatment options for refractive errors in pediatric patients, including myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and anisometropia. Discuss the use of glasses, contact lenses, and orthokeratology in managing pediatric refractive errors.
3. Pediatric Cataract and Lens Disorders: Discuss the etiology, clinical features, and management of pediatric cataracts and lens abnormalities, including congenital cataracts, traumatic cataracts, and lens subluxation. Explore the role of pediatric cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation in restoring visual function.
4. Pediatric Glaucoma and Anterior Segment Disorders: Examine the diagnosis and management of pediatric glaucoma, including primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), juvenile open-angle glaucoma, and secondary glaucomas associated with anterior segment dysgenesis. Discuss the role of medical therapy, surgical intervention, and aqueous shunt devices in managing pediatric glaucoma.
5. Pediatric Retinal and Vitreoretinal Disorders: Review the diagnosis and management of pediatric retinal disorders, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), pediatric retinal detachments, and inherited retinal diseases. Discuss the role of retinal imaging, laser therapy, and vitreoretinal surgery in managing pediatric retinal conditions.

Dry eye syndrome and tear film disorders represent a significant and prevalent challenge in ophthalmology, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, optometrists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Pathophysiology of Dry Eye Syndrome: Explore the multifactorial etiology and pathophysiology of dry eye syndrome, including tear film instability, ocular surface inflammation, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and neurosensory abnormalities. Discuss the role of tear film components, including aqueous, lipid, and mucin layers, in maintaining ocular surface health.
2. Diagnostic Evaluation of Dry Eye: Review the various diagnostic tools and tests used in the evaluation of dry eye syndrome, including tear film osmolarity measurement, tear breakup time (TBUT), ocular surface staining (fluorescein and lissamine green), Schirmer's test, and meibography. Discuss the advantages and limitations of each diagnostic modality.
3. Management Strategies for Dry Eye: Discuss the principles and strategies for managing dry eye syndrome, including artificial tear supplementation, lid hygiene, warm compress therapy, and dietary modifications. Explore the role of anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., cyclosporine, lifitegrast), punctal plugs, scleral contact lenses, and autologous serum tears in treating refractory cases.
4. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): Examine the pathogenesis, clinical features, and management of MGD, a common cause of evaporative dry eye. Discuss the role of meibomian gland expression, thermal pulsation therapy, intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy, and oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in treating MGD.
5. Neurogenic Dry Eye: Explore the neurosensory mechanisms underlying neurogenic dry eye, including corneal nerve damage, neuropathic pain, and altered tear reflex pathways. Discuss the role of neurostimulation techniques (e.g., intense pulsed light therapy, nerve growth factor) in managing neurogenic dry eye.

Ocular surface diseases encompass a wide spectrum of conditions affecting the delicate tissues of the eye's outermost layer, including the cornea and conjunctiva. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, optometrists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Corneal Diseases and Disorders: Explore the various corneal diseases and disorders affecting the ocular surface, including keratitis (e.g., infectious, immune-mediated), corneal dystrophies, corneal degenerations (e.g., keratoconus), and corneal ectasias (e.g., pellucid marginal degeneration). Discuss the clinical features, diagnostic approaches, and treatment options for different corneal conditions.
2. Conjunctival Diseases: Review the spectrum of conjunctival diseases, including conjunctivitis (e.g., viral, bacterial, allergic), conjunctival tumors (e.g., pinguecula, pterygium), and conjunctival inflammatory disorders (e.g., cicatricial pemphigoid, Stevens-Johnson syndrome). Discuss the role of topical and systemic therapies, surgical interventions, and surveillance strategies for managing conjunctival diseases.
3. Ocular Surface Trauma and Injury: Discuss the spectrum of ocular surface trauma and injuries, including chemical burns, thermal burns, mechanical injuries (e.g., corneal abrasions, lacerations), and foreign body penetration. Review the principles of emergent management, wound healing, and long-term sequelae prevention for ocular surface injuries.

Retinal vascular diseases encompass a diverse range of conditions affecting the blood vessels of the retina, leading to significant visual impairment and potential vision loss. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, retinal specialists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Diabetic Retinopathy: Explore the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and management of diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss in diabetic patients. Discuss the stages of DR, including non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), as well as diabetic macular edema (DME). Review the role of systemic and ocular factors in the development and progression of DR.
2. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Discuss the epidemiology, risk factors, and pathophysiology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a progressive retinal disease affecting the macula. Review the classification of AMD (i.e., dry AMD and neovascular or wet AMD), as well as the role of genetic and environmental factors in disease susceptibility. Explore the latest advancements in the diagnosis and management of AMD, including anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy and retinal imaging techniques.
3. Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO): Examine the etiology, clinical features, and management of retinal vein occlusion (RVO), a common retinal vascular disorder associated with vision loss. Discuss the subtypes of RVO, including central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), as well as the risk factors for thrombosis and retinal ischemia. Review the role of anti-VEGF therapy, corticosteroids, and laser photocoagulation in treating macular edema and neovascularization secondary to RVO.
4. Retinal Artery Occlusion (RAO): Review the clinical features, risk factors, and management of retinal artery occlusion (RAO), a sight-threatening vascular event leading to retinal ischemia and infarction. Discuss the subtypes of RAO, including central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) and branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO), as well as the differential diagnosis and acute management strategies. Explore the role of retinal artery reperfusion techniques, such as intra-arterial thrombolysis and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

Optic nerve disorders and optic neuropathies encompass a diverse array of conditions affecting the optic nerve, leading to visual impairment and potential vision loss. This specialized conference track aims to convene ophthalmologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to explore the latest advancements, challenges, and innovations in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Optic Neuritis: Explore the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management of optic neuritis, an inflammatory condition affecting the optic nerve. Discuss the association with demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, as well as the role of imaging modalities (e.g., MRI) and immunomodulatory therapies in diagnosis and treatment.
2. Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Review the epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical subtypes of ischemic optic neuropathy, including anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) and posterior ischemic optic neuropathy (PION). Discuss the vascular etiology, optic disc edema, and visual field defects associated with ischemic optic neuropathy, as well as the management strategies.
3. Optic Nerve Trauma: Examine the mechanisms of optic nerve trauma, including direct and indirect injuries, and their sequelae. Discuss the clinical presentation, imaging findings, and surgical interventions for optic nerve trauma, as well as the potential for visual recovery and long-term complications.
4. Hereditary Optic Neuropathies: Discuss the genetic basis, clinical features, and management of hereditary optic neuropathies, including Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA). Review the role of genetic testing, mitochondrial dysfunction, and potential therapeutic interventions in hereditary optic neuropathies.
5. Optic Disc Edema: Explore the differential diagnosis and management of optic disc edema, a common clinical finding associated with various optic nerve disorders, including papilledema, anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, and optic neuritis. Discuss the role of neuroimaging, lumbar puncture, and systemic evaluation in diagnosing and managing optic disc edema.

Cataract surgery has undergone remarkable advancements over the years, evolving from traditional extracapsular and intracapsular techniques to modern phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted procedures. The 10th Global Ophthalmology Meeting is dedicated to exploring the latest surgical innovations in cataract surgery, aiming to convene ophthalmologists, cataract surgeons, researchers, clinicians, and industry experts to discuss advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the field.

Key Themes and Topics:

1. Phacoemulsification Techniques: Explore the latest advancements in phacoemulsification technology, including improvements in machine technology, ultrasound energy delivery, and fluidics management. Discuss strategies for optimizing phacoemulsification parameters, such as power settings, vacuum levels, and aspiration rates, to enhance surgical outcomes and minimize complications.
2. Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS): Review the principles and techniques of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), an innovative approach that offers precise corneal incisions, capsulotomy, and lens fragmentation. Discuss the clinical benefits, safety profile, and potential challenges of FLACS, as well as the integration of femtosecond laser technology into existing cataract surgical workflows.
3. Customized Biometry and Intraocular Lens (IOL) Selection: Discuss the importance of accurate biometry measurements and IOL power calculations in achieving optimal refractive outcomes following cataract surgery. Explore the latest advancements in biometry technology, including optical coherence biometry (OCB) and swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), as well as the role of toric and multifocal IOLs in addressing astigmatism and presbyopia.
4. Intraoperative Aberrometry and Wavefront-Guided Surgery: Examine the role of intraoperative aberrometry and wavefront-guided surgery in optimizing IOL power selection and astigmatism correction during cataract surgery. Discuss the integration of intraoperative wavefront measurements into surgical planning and intraocular lens selection algorithms to enhance visual outcomes and patient satisfaction.
5. Minimally Invasive Cataract Surgery (MICS): Explore the principles and techniques of minimally invasive cataract surgery (MICS), including micro-incision phacoemulsification and bimanual irrigation/aspiration. Discuss the advantages of MICS in reducing corneal astigmatism, inducing less inflammation, and promoting faster visual recovery compared to traditional cataract surgery approaches.
6. Adjunctive Technologies and Techniques: Review adjunctive technologies and techniques used to enhance surgical outcomes and safety in cataract surgery, including anterior chamber maintainers, iris expansion devices, and capsular tension rings (CTRs). Discuss the role of femtosecond laser-assisted arcuate incisions in managing corneal astigmatism and optimizing refractive outcomes.
7. Complication Management and Surgical Pearls: Discuss strategies for managing intraoperative and postoperative complications in cataract surgery, including posterior capsule rupture, zonular dehiscence, and endophthalmitis. Share surgical pearls and tips for optimizing surgical techniques, handling challenging cases, and achieving favorable outcomes in complex cataract surgeries.